100 simple things we take for granted: #11 Aluminium.

11# Aluminium

"Revenge of the Killer Sludge" - I think I've seen this movie

By Sparklingjem.
Life in Hungary has turned into something more like a blockbuster ”end of the world” horror movie since a toxic sludge escaped from a chemical waste reservoir.  Not only did the chemical flood sweep cars off the roads and into bridges and buildings causing huge amounts of structural damage, it proved to be highly toxic as well. The flood waters will kill if ingested and cause severe chemical burns. Disaster management teams are having to relocate people from their homes and rescue those stranded by the flood. At least 4 people have died, 6 are missing and 120 reported injured. According to a government official and an environmental disaster group, tt is the "worst chemical accident in the history of Hungary." What does this have to do with us? It's a by-product of producing aluminium.

Aluminium-practical jokes just wouldn't be the same without it.

Aluminium is a pretty amazing chemical, not only is it the most abundant metal on Earth, it is also the third most abundant element. It’s extraordinary in it’s low density and it’s resistance to corrosion. Napoleon considered it more precious than gold. Without it we wouldn’t have space travel, fuel efficient cars or lightweight baseball bats and other sports equipment. We wouldn’t have Coke cans (or any other beverage can for that matter) or wrapping foil. We wouldn’t have street lamps, extra bright LED’s and electrical equipment would all have to be made from the much more expensive copper. Nothing would be spray painted silver. So next time you crush your drink can and throw it in the recycling bin, watch the so and so’s beat the others and pay for electricity, spare a thought for Hungary and what they are paying to produce your Aluminium.

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